MADRID (AP) — Spain's parliament
plans to hold a largely symbolic vote next week on a resolution to
recognize a Palestinian state.
The
non-binding resolution, presented by the Socialist opposition party,
will be debated in parliament on Tuesday, and it appears the governing
conservatives will support it.
It
would follow moves in other European countries intended to increase
pressure for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Britain
and Ireland approved similar motions last month. Sweden's new
left-leaning government went a step further and officially recognized a
Palestinian state on Oct. 30, prompting a strong protest from Israel,
which swiftly withdrew its ambassador from Stockholm.
The
efforts in Europe reflect growing international impatience with
Israel's nearly half-century control of the West Bank, east Jerusalem
and its blockade of the Gaza Strip.